What is Cadastral Reference?
What you need to know about the Cadastral Reference if you have a property or if you are thinking of buying one in Sotogrande, Marbella or any other place in Costa del Sol…
Cadastral reference: what is it?
The cadastral reference is a number that serves to identify real estate, in an official (and mandatory) way. It is an alphanumeric code assigned by the Cadastre; in this way, each Sotogrande property has a unique number that identifies it within the cadastral cartography.
The identifier consists of 20 characters. And although there are 2 different ways to create a reference, some of the data presented is the same. Province, municipality, sector, polygon, farm or plot, identification of the property, and, finally, 2 control characters. These characters are used to verify that the previous 18 characters are correct and prevent or detect recording errors.
In Spain, all real estate, be it houses, flats, plots, premises, etc., have a cadastral reference. Even living in a block of flats, the reference is capable of accurately identifying the place where you live, taking into account the portal, the staircase, the floor, the number, letter … It is as if it were the ID or fingerprints of the house: there are no 2 alike.
What is the cadastral reference for?
The primary function of the cadastral reference is to identify real estate within the cadastral cartography. And why do we want to identify them? Basically because, if you are going to carry out an operation such as sale or rental, or if the house is going to be part of an inheritance or donation, you do not want your property to be confused with another. Something that also applies, for example, when paying taxes. If an asset wasn’t properly registered, you might end up paying tax on a neighbouring property.
Where to find the cadastral reference?
You can find the reference on the receipt for Real Estate Tax (IBI). This is a tax that is paid annually and is the fastest way to get the referral.
Should any reader of this blog require more information please do contact me and I will direct them to reputable advisors.
Charles Gubbins.
✉ charles.gubbins@noll-sotogrande.com
? +34 607 911 661
